Chronological Versus Biological Age: The Role of Diet and Healthy Lifestyle in Modulating Epigenetic Aging

Abstract

Biological age has emerged as a meaningful indicator of how rapidly an individual is aging at the cellular and physiological levels. Unlike chronological age, which simply reflects time elapsed, biological age incorporates molecular and functional changes that better predict healthspan and disease risk. Epigenetic clocks—based on patterns of DNA methylation at age-sensitive CpG sites—are among the most robust tools for estimating biological age and detecting subtle differences in aging trajectories. Increasing evidence suggests that biological age is modifiable, particularly through targeted lifestyle intervention strategies.